Tourist Attractions in Wales

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Wales

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Wales

The Principality of Wales is one of the four administrative parts of the United Kingdom. In ancient times, it was home to a commonwealth of Celtic kingdoms. Architectural monuments of those times can still be found in Wales today.

Located in the south-west of Great Britain, the principality is characterised by amazing scenic beauty and a mild climate that is conducive to travelling. Wales is also characterised by its numerous medieval castles, which appeared here in the 13th century during the establishment of English rule.

The tiny towns and villages of Wales retain the spirit of both medieval and Victorian England. Numerous national parks and gardens reveal to tourists the beauty of local nature and culture.

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in Wales

National Trust - Powis Castle and Garden

 4.7/5

6274 reviews

The majestic dark pink Powys Castle, built in Wales nearly a thousand years ago, is famous throughout England not only for its haunted Lady in Black, but also for its picturesque Italianate-style garden. Rock-cut terraces, hedges, moss-covered trees, an apple orchard and a tropical greenhouse form a fitting frame for the medieval structure.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

St Davids Cathedral

 4.8/5

4143 reviews

St Davids Cathedral was founded in 1181. The architectural shape of the building was formed over several centuries. In the XIII century St David’s Cathedral suffered significant damage after an earthquake, in the middle of the XIV century a bishop’s palace was added to it, in the beginning of the XVI century the Chapel of the Holy Trinity appeared.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Bute Park

 4.7/5

6341 reviews

Situated on the two banks of the River Taff, Cardiff City Park, the capital of Wales, was established in 1873 as a garden area for the local castle belonging to the Marquesses of Bute. The main attractions of the park are the ruins of a man’s monastery, Lyth Mill and the local Arboretum. The recreation area is decorated with wooden, stone and metal sculptures.

Open time

Conwy

 0/5

The north Welsh town of fifteen thousand people is rich in historical sights. It is home to the medieval castle of the same name, built in the late XIII century by Edward I, Aberconwy Priory, residential buildings of the XIV-XVI centuries and the smallest house in England, which has dimensions of 3.05 x 1.8 metres.

Llandudno

 0/5

Founded at the end of the 13th century at the base of the Kreidín peninsula, the town acquired the status of a seaside resort in the 1960s. This was facilitated by the significant remodelling of Llandudno by the architect J. Felton. In the best resort in Wales, you can not only relax, but also visit the Museum of the history of the city, as well as plunge into the fairy tale of “Alice in Wonderland”.

Portmeirion North Wales

 4.5/5

9461 reviews

The original Italianate-style village was created by architect C. Williams-Ellis on the site of a former foundry in the 1920s. The majority of Portmeirion’s buildings have an unusual, unlike anything else, ‘folly’ appearance. They are predominantly hotels, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

National Museum Cardiff

 4.6/5

8506 reviews

Founded in 1912, the National Museum of Cardiff is part of the larger National Museum of Wales, which opened five years earlier. The museum collections, which include archaeological, botanical, geological and art exhibits, are housed in the Cardiff Central Library building.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

 4.8/5

5594 reviews

The Pontkysyllte Aqueduct, located in north-east Wales, was built in the early 19th century by the engineer T. Telford. It is no coincidence that Walter Scott described it as “a most beautiful work of art”: the grandiose structure is still the longest and tallest aqueduct in Britain.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Rhossili bay Beach

 4.9/5

253 reviews

The picturesque Welsh bay of Rhossili and the beach of the same name within its boundaries is one of the top ten holiday destinations in the world. Romantic cliffs, clear waters, friendly residents and an unusual holiday cottage, once the home of a parish priest, make for a truly unforgettable holiday.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Anglesey

 4.8/5

1954 reviews

Prince William and Duchess Catherine’s favourite holiday destination is just off the north-west coast of Wales. Anglesey is connected to the mainland by two bridges. The first people settled on the island nine thousand years ago. Traces of their presence in the form of stone monuments can still be found on Anglesey today.

Cardiff Castle

 4.6/5

18675 reviews

Built about two thousand years ago on the site of the ruins of an ancient Roman fortress, the castle was long used for the city’s needs – first as a fort, then as a court house. Over time, Cardiff became the home of the Marquesses of Bute. Today the castle houses a historical and archaeological museum.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tŷ Mawr Country Park

 4.7/5

1437 reviews

The two hundred and seventy kilometre trail along the Offa’s Wall, which has been the conventional border between Wales and England for about a thousand years, is a great attraction for hikers. It takes an average of eleven days to complete. The route takes you through the beautiful Welsh countryside.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

St. Fagans National Museum of History

 4.7/5

10551 reviews

Opened in 1948 on the grounds of St Fagans Castle, the Cardiff Open Air Museum introduces tourists to the cultural and architectural history of Wales from the time of the ancient Celts to the present day. You can see round Celtic houses and medieval chapels, a classic English post office building and an ordinary pigsty.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Great Orme

 4.8/5

545 reviews

The Great Orme promontory overlooks the town of Llandudno. It can be reached by tram from the outskirts of the town and descended by cable car or on foot. The Great Orme promontory offers a picturesque view of the town’s seafront and bay. The hills are home to the Museum of Local History and the Open Air Museum, formed on the basis of ancient mines.

Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)

 4.9/5

23729 reviews

One hundred lakes, ninety mountain peaks, a wealth of beaches and heathland in north Wales make up the huge Snowdonia National Park. Remains of Roman fortifications and medieval castles attract antiquity lovers, while mountain ranges and lakes attract outdoor enthusiasts.

Open time

Cardiff Bay

 4.7/5

1326 reviews

Up until the Second World War, Cardiff Bay was used exclusively for industrial purposes – to export coal mined in the South Valley. In 1999 it was modernised and turned into a leisure area surrounded by a twelve kilometre promenade with shopping complexes, bars and restaurants. Water sports are available in the waters of Cardiff Bay.

Brecon Beacons

 4.8/5

707 reviews

“The Brecon Beacons is a unique national park that includes not only natural but also architectural attractions in Wales. Set on four mountain ranges, its territory includes mountain rivers and waterfalls, wooded valleys and heathland, tiny towns and ancient villages, Bronze Age relics and Celtic menhirs.

Caernarfon Castle

 4.6/5

13281 reviews

Erected in the late 13th century by Edward I, the castle was intended as a symbol of English rule over Wales. The massive walls, built in the shape of an irregular figure eight, and the polygonal towers were topped with statues of eagles and contained multi-coloured stripes. Only the outer parts of Carnarvon have survived, with only the foundations remaining of the inner components.

Open time

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

 4.8/5

10821 reviews

Located in the west of Wales, the National Park was opened in 1952. Today, its territory covered with wooded estuaries and rocky cliffs is home to several independent national and marine reserves. The beaches of the Pembrokeshire Coast are annually honoured with the most prestigious awards as the cleanest and most suitable for recreation.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

National Trust - Bodnant Garden

 4.8/5

7761 reviews

Lord Aberconway’s family residence was enclosed by a magnificent garden in 1875. Since 1949 the blooming grounds have been protected by the National Trust. The upper part of the Bodnath has the appearance of Italian terraces, while the lower part consists of tangled paths and thickets of exotic and European fruit and berry plants and flowers.

Open time